The ONS said the UK economy was returning to moderate growth rates after some volatility earlier in the year, in part related to the weather.

Analysis: Dharshini David, BBC economics correspondent

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The concern that Brexit uncertainty may be weighing on sentiment and spending has become all too familiar. But these GDP numbers suggest there’s more to the cooling down of growth toward the end of last year – and worryingly so.

They suggest demand from our trading partners is faltering. Industry suffered its most widespread fall in output since 2012, with a drop in car production leading the charge. Separate data showed that, once erratic items like aircraft orders were stripped out, the gulf between imports and exports – the trade deficit – widened to £9.5bn in the three months to November.

And we’re not alone in feeling the pinch. Germany, France and Spain have released manufacturing figures this week that were unexpectedly grim.

From Apple to Jaguar Land Rover, some of the biggest global brands have been blaming faltering overseas demand, particularly from China. for their woes. They may have a point. Growth across our major trading partners is tailing off.

It’s a timely reminder that, whatever arrangements are in place come the end of March, we may not be able to rely on our economic allies overseas to keep our factories and workshops thriving.

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